SAN JOSE, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Colombian coach Luis Fernando Suarez has extended his contract as manager of Costa Rica's national team for another four years, the local football federation said on Monday.

The 62-year-old, who took charge of Costa Rica last year with the team's 2022 World Cup qualifying hopes in jeopardy, oversaw a sudden improvement in the team's fortunes.

The Ticos secured a ticket to football's showpiece tournament in Qatar by beating New Zealand in an intercontinental playoff in June.

"It is a very special day for me," Suarez told a news conference. "It's is an important time in my career as a coach and being here fills me with great satisfaction."

The former Ecuador national team coach added: "This group is so intelligent and committed to achieving something. That motivates me a lot."

Costa Rica have been drawn in the World Cup's Group E alongside Spain, Japan and Germany. The tournament will be played from November 21 to December 18.